Reflection

I believe that reflection is the key to healthy living. Completely centered, Lord-focused reflection. It seems to be a simple idea really. You can’t move forward until you’ve thought about what you’ve done. You can’t improve until you’ve analyzed what you’re doing and why it does or doesn't work. My recent revelation however, is that I always thought I did a pretty good job of it.....until I actually did it.

The reality is, you absolutely can move forward without thinking about what you did. You absolutely can blindly fly through life. And you absolutely can try to move forward without including God in the conversation (which tends to be a popular choice with myself, along with half the world.) However, I’m forced to sit and think about how productive I haven’t been when I’ve chosen to bust through life with only my own thoughts to rely on.


What if I didn't constantly rely on my own thoughts? How would, or could it be, if every reflection of the day: about your performance at work, about your interaction with the guy at the coffee shop, or the love you’ve shown to your spouse that day, was turned into a prayerful conversation with God? A careful analysis about what you did, what God wants you to do and how you, with the guidance of a higher power, can improve the very next day. Maybe I’m way off base. Maybe most Christians are healthy enough to practice this kind of discipline on a daily basis. I would guess however that most, myself included, are not quite as refined in their relationship with our heavenly God. It’s hard work. But usually when I’m a little less self-absorbed than normal, and I’m smart enough to practice healthful reflection, it tends to be the best decision I’ve made that day. Maybe that should tell me something.

The Teaching Life

The teaching life.

I’ve learned a lot being a teacher.

I’ve learned that I love it, despite all the somewhat negative consequences.

I’ve learned that I will almost always be tired for the rest of my career, and that being sick while your teaching is worse than you could ever imagine- no room for ‘checking out’ in this business.

I’ve learned that some days you’re a good teacher, and some days you’re just not the kind of teacher you imagined in your head.

I’ve learned that it’s much easier to teach kids from your same socio-economic status.

I’ve learned that I often dodge my students and their parents every time I’m at the grocery store.

I’ve learned that one funny little kid can give you enough inertia to finish out the week.

I’ve learned that no matter where you go, the politics of a school never fail to be on the forefront of everyone’s mind but your own.

I’ve learned that ‘first year’ naiveté/optimism is inevitable.

I’ve learned that your mind has never felt so numb as after your first performance, or even just a plain old Monday for that matter.

I’ve learned that reflection, correction, and drive, are the keys to staying ahead of the game- as well as the only things that keep you feeling even somewhat successful.

I’ve learned that it feels good to be doing what you want to do- especially when it goes the way you imagined it would.

I’ve learned that there are certain people in the building that will probably never ‘get’ you or even try to do so- and that that’s okay.

I’ve learned that there’s always a reason to stab a perfectly good back- but it feels a lot better to be uninvolved in all that is negative- not a bad time to be naïve.

I’ve learned that I’m a lot more unorganized than I thought.

I’ve learned that I’ve easily come to adore many of my students and have slowly and somewhat successfully claimed ownership on the way things are run.

I’ve learned that the most fun thing is to be excited about a song or event that is creatively yours.

I’ve learned that every kid in the school does not love music, but that’s no excuse not to love them, or the lessons you teach them.

I’ve learned that each year I will improve.

And most importantly, I’ve learned that the kids make it all worth it.

If it didn’t, we’d all be in trouble. : )